What Is a Febrile Seizure?
A febrile seizure is a convulsion triggered by a rapid rise in body temperature, most common between 6 months and 5 years.
Most are brief (under 5 minutes) and do not cause lasting harm, though they are frightening to witness.
What It Looks Like
Stiffening or jerking of the arms and legs, rolling eyes, and brief loss of consciousness.
Afterward, babies are often sleepy or confused for a short period; this is normal.
What to Do During a Seizure
Lay the baby on their side on a soft, flat surface; do not put anything in their mouth.
Time the seizure. Stay close and remove nearby hazards.
Call emergency services if it lasts longer than 5 minutes, breathing seems abnormal, or this is a first-time seizure.
After the Seizure
Even brief, typical febrile seizures usually warrant a same-day medical evaluation to identify the fever’s cause.
Most children with febrile seizures do not go on to develop epilepsy.
Safety Note
This article is general guidance and not a diagnosis. Any first seizure should be assessed by a clinician.